Routine magnetic resonance imaging evaluation of the spine is often limited by low spatial resolution and artifacts resulting from cerebrospinal fluid pulsation. Balanced steady-state free precession sequences can supplement routine spin echo sequences and provide exquisite anatomic detail and high cerebrospinal fluid-to-soft tissue contrast, adding significant diagnostic value to the evaluation of a wide variety of spine disorders.
Keywords: Balanced steady state free precession (b-SSFP); Constructive interference in steady state (CISS); Fast imaging employing steady state acquisition (FIESTA); Magnetic resonance imaging; Spine imaging.